Primary School Out of Catchment Requests

Summary

The request sought the number and reasons for successful primary school out-of-catchment applications since January 2017. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture disclosed that 118 applications were successful and listed the specific criteria and reasons used for approval.

Key Facts

• 118 successful primary school out-of-catchment applications were made since January 2017.
• The count includes successfully appealed applications.
• Applications are considered individually based on the Education Act 2001 and departmental policy.
• Reasons for approval include house moves, special educational needs, sibling rules, and safety threats.
• Parents working for emergency services is a valid reason for granting an out-of-catchment request.

Data Disclosed

• 118
• January 2017
• 2 July 2018
• 12 July 2018
• section 15 of the Education Act 2001
• 519633

Original Request

How many successful primary school out of catchment requests have there been since January 2017 and for what reasons were they granted?

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Corporate Services Division Department of Education, Sport and Culture Hamilton House Peel Road, Douglas IM1 5EZ Telephone: (01624) 685808
Website: www.gov.im/dec Email: dec@foi.gov.im
Our ref: 519633 12 July 2018

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 2 July 2018 and which states:

"How many successful primary school out of catchment requests have there been since January 2017 and for what reasons were they granted?"

Our response to your request is as follows: I have detailed below the information that is being released to you. Since January 2017 there have been 118 successful primary school out of catchment applications made to the Department (including successfully appealed applications).
Each application is considered by the Department individually, taking account of specific reasons for the application and the merits of each case, including:- • the provisions of section 15 of the Education Act 2001 • the Department’s published policy and guidance • information provided by applicants in the application form • the views and feedback of the respective headteachers • likely impacts relating to the efficient use of the Department’s resources.
By way of advice and assistance the Department’s policy and guidance documents are readily available on the Department’s website at : https://www.gov.im/about-the- government/departments/education-sport-and-culture/policies-and-procedures-a-to- z/c/#accordion

The above approved applications included one or more of the following reasons:- • Evidence of house move into catchment area • To meet special educational need provisions • Sibling rule • Practical/best use of Department assets (teaching staff and resources) • Clear physical/emotional threats (including bullying) • Other educational reasons • Pupils parents work for emergency services • Evidence of a breakdown of the relationship with the school Please quote the reference number 519633 in any future communications.

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Yours sincerely